December 27, 2016 – Nurse Training

Anchor lead: What is the root of violence against nurses on the job? Elizabeth Tracey reports

Violence against nurses on the job has increased more than 100% in the last ten years, according to statistics from the US Labor Department. Ron Langlotz, director of nursing for the department of medicine at Johns Hopkins, says the root of violence is clear.

Langlotz: In my experience it’s because we’re unable to meet their expectations and their needs. That’s when those patients become more upset. We can get them to the services they require first. The second part is to provide the education and the training for the nurses caring for these patients that may have a substance abuse or a psychiatric issue. I think that having the knowledge to know how to handle these kinds of patients, really provides them with the resources at the point of service. :29

Langlotz says helping nurses recognize and respond appropriately reduces frustration on the part of patients along with escalation to violence. At Johns Hopkins, I’m Elizabeth Tracey.